Need advice.....too many options!

[el wadd]

I need help....been out of the hobby for about 8 years, and wanted to set up just a simple 30g. planted Discus tank. The problem is...it's been so long since I looked at all the equipment, that it got me to thinking that there is probably some better stuff out there than what I used to run.

Back in the day it was a penguin bio-wheel pro set-up, with the hang on magnum in the back. I've had my eye on the RENA Filstar xP1, but know virtually nothing about it. I like it's compact box design, but looks ain't everything....Does it work?

My question is this...Is the RENA any good? Should I just stick with the penguin set up? Maybe running a single bio-wheel in the tank, and connecting it to the RENA? Does anyone have any info or opinions on these newer filters? What filtration method would you suggest?

How about the in tank CO2 diffusers? Are they worth it? I had a great planted discus tank back in the day using just lighting and no CO2 at all. I'm interested in trying it out, but don't know anything about them really....Any suggestions for an easy to install and maintain CO2 diffuser?

Any info you could give is greatly appreciated. I want top get this tank up asap, but need to be certain I made sound choices in equipment in the process...

[mobilecow]

Hi
Rena's XP filters are pretty good but the larger biowheels will do you every bit as nicely. Magnum HOTs are nice filters - there are some people who absolutely love them. If you have one that works well - keep it - you aren't gaining anything with an XP1.
I've never tried CO2 - my discus tanks are bare - so i can't help you much...
Good luck

[Coler]

Get a bigger tank than a 30G for discus I think

[jm1212]

discus need at least55 gallons with more being preferable because they like to be in groups.

[mobilecow]

Most discus also despise planted tanks and it makes maintenance painful... but when I stumbled upon discus I had mine in a 29g and those grew up just fine - group of 3 - which I later learned was wrong.

An adult pair in a planted 30g will be quite happy - so there may not be reason to go with a larger tank - depending on what you do...

[Weezer]

If you stay with a 30 gal. an HOT Mag and something like a Peguin 200 would be good, there are of course many configerations you could use..:)

[el wadd]

Most discus also despise planted tanks and it makes maintenance painful... but when I stumbled upon discus I had mine in a 29g and those grew up just fine - group of 3 - which I later learned was wrong.

An adult pair in a planted 30g will be quite happy - so there may not be reason to go with a larger tank - depending on what you do...
I had a great 30g.show planted discus tank, and my fish seemed to love it. I'm thinking of stocking it with 4 to 6 smallies (2.5in. or so) and splitting them up into another tank when they grow....I liked the magnum and biowheel set-up, but am intrigued by the stand alone, stowable filters I'm seeing on the market.

[Rbishop]

If you are shooting for just breeding and fry raising, the 30 is the minimum, IMO. I like to give them a bit more swimming space.

[Mgamer20o0]

rena and hot mags are great filters. co2 diffusers are nice. there are a few other ways to do it like putting the tube in the intake of the filter.

i also think a bigger tank would be better.

[el wadd]

I took your advice and went with a 96g. tank....here comes the compulsion...

I've never owned a tank of this size, and now have to figure how many pairs to place inside this monster. Any suggestions? I was figuring around 8-10 small discus...I want to leave some room for them to pair up.

I went with the rena. thinking about adding a powerhead and a biowheel for some added biological, couldn't hurt right?

[discus bob]

i run 2 400 on my 75 gal seems you cant over clean water in a discus tank and currently have 8 in a 75 ranging from 2.5 to 6 inches...i wouldnt forget about the 30 gal tho never know might end up with a pair and well there ya go all set up and ready.